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DEPRESSION: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TREAT DEPRESSION IF THE CHEMICAL IMBALANCE THEORY IS, IN FACT, INVALID?
ANGEL February 23, 2008 03:31:38
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Recent research has shown that there is no actual basis for the “chemical imbalance theory. A paper on this subject was pubished on 11/28/07, “The Media and the Chemical Imbalance Theory of Depression”, by Jonathan Leo PHD, Assoc. Professor of Neuroanatomy & Jeffrey R. Lacasse, MSW. They researched the validity of the theory that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. They solicited info from many sources,including psychiatrists, clients, and a major pharmaceutical company but found “The evidence offered was not compelling, and several of the cited sources flatly stated that the proposed theory of serotonin imbalance was known to be incorrect.” They reviewed many articles about serotonin research, “but not a single citation could be considered direct proof of an underlying chemical imbalance as the cause of depression. “ They go on to state: “To our knowledge there is not a single peer-reviewed article that can accurately be cited to directly support claims of serotonin definiciency in any mental disorder. “
The researchers found that “In spite of the enormous amount of money and time that has been spent in the quest to confirm the chemical imbalance theory, direct proof has never materialized. Moreover, during the past several decades, a significant amount of evidence has accumulated which calls the theory’s validity into question.”
As a result of their published paper “numerous scientists and psychiatrists have responded either in interviews, or in published letters to-the-editor about our thesis, and not a single one has disagreed.” “In one interview about our article, the head of the FDA Psychopharmacology Advisory Committee stated that the chemical imbalance theory is a “useful metaphor” but not one that he uses with his own patients.”
I believe (ANGEL SPEAKING) that the public has been manipulated by the pharmaceutical industry, because dispensing psychotropic drugs is BIG BUSINESS. The article confirms this: “Zoloft was the sixth bestselling medication in the US in 2004, with over $3 billion in sales likely due, at least in part, to the widely disseminated advertising campaign” “In July of 2007, a government study found that antidepressants are the most prescribed drugs in the US; during the past 6 years patients spent $123 billion on psychotropic drugs; in 2005, doctors wrote 31 million prescriptions for antidepressants; and in 2004, the pharmaceutical companies spent $1.5 billion promoting antidepressants..”
“There is then a dilemma for the majority of the population who do not read psychiatry journals and who
are much more likely to learn about scientific concepts from the mainstream media, either from magazines, such as Time and Newsweek, or from newspapers, such as the New York Times or LA Times. “
In fact, the researchers found that only a very small percentage actually benefit from the medications -- for every 10 people who take the meds only 1 or 2 actually receive benefit. “What about the eight or nine people getting no benefits from the medication but now put at risk for the medication’s side effects?”
Given the findings of this research, as well as the much published negative side effects of psychotropic medications, what alternatives are there?
The researchers found that “In spite of the enormous amount of money and time that has been spent in the quest to confirm the chemical imbalance theory, direct proof has never materialized. Moreover, during the past several decades, a significant amount of evidence has accumulated which calls the theory’s validity into question.”
As a result of their published paper “numerous scientists and psychiatrists have responded either in interviews, or in published letters to-the-editor about our thesis, and not a single one has disagreed.” “In one interview about our article, the head of the FDA Psychopharmacology Advisory Committee stated that the chemical imbalance theory is a “useful metaphor” but not one that he uses with his own patients.”
I believe (ANGEL SPEAKING) that the public has been manipulated by the pharmaceutical industry, because dispensing psychotropic drugs is BIG BUSINESS. The article confirms this: “Zoloft was the sixth bestselling medication in the US in 2004, with over $3 billion in sales likely due, at least in part, to the widely disseminated advertising campaign” “In July of 2007, a government study found that antidepressants are the most prescribed drugs in the US; during the past 6 years patients spent $123 billion on psychotropic drugs; in 2005, doctors wrote 31 million prescriptions for antidepressants; and in 2004, the pharmaceutical companies spent $1.5 billion promoting antidepressants..”
“There is then a dilemma for the majority of the population who do not read psychiatry journals and who
are much more likely to learn about scientific concepts from the mainstream media, either from magazines, such as Time and Newsweek, or from newspapers, such as the New York Times or LA Times. “
In fact, the researchers found that only a very small percentage actually benefit from the medications -- for every 10 people who take the meds only 1 or 2 actually receive benefit. “What about the eight or nine people getting no benefits from the medication but now put at risk for the medication’s side effects?”
Given the findings of this research, as well as the much published negative side effects of psychotropic medications, what alternatives are there?
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OTHER
all of the above PLUS pharmaceutical help as needed - I know from personal experience that tricyclic anti-depressants can and do work. they saved my life back in the day,. They are not without side effects however. I do believe so-called clinical doses are too high and that's where the manipulation from big Pharma may be coming into things. I responsed well on a sub clinical dosage. However having said that what works for one person may not work for another...View thread
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ALL OF THE ABOVE
1. They are on or trying to come off of psych drugs, which they were likely put on because of an underlying physical health problem or slighly out of normal hormonal emotional rollercoaster. Or they are having trouble in school.
2. They can't communicate well with other people.
So - two things that also treat depression: changing your diet, exercising, etc., and learning to communicate, and then communicating with others.
That's my prescription for good mental health. I'm no psych, but I believe that makes me MORE qualified to dispense mental health advice, not less.
Here's a Fox News video about the dangers of prescribing children paxil and other psych drugs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?...
ALL OF THE ABOVE
Detox from psychiatric medications is carried out by a qualified practitioner trained in psychiatric drug detoxification and neuroendocrine rebalancing will ensure minimal transitional discomfort and quality mental health. http://www.greenbodyandmind.com
Their focus is to safeguard people from dangerous psychotropic drug-based treatments, to reform mental health care practices toward non-toxic, safe and effective therapies, & to restore to people the capability to live a vibrant life. Sounds like another alternative and worth looking in to.
Also, I suggest you contact the folks at "Green body & mind": http://www.greenbodyandmind.com
Let me know. Angel
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OTHER
It's not a "small issue" and shouldn't be taking lightly ever in my books...
Self inflicting pain is something I did as a child too, so I can relate as well...
:-(
As I understood it, my daughter was doing it, because she sincerely felt "NUMB", felt disconnected, from reality, from me, from everyone, it was as if she Needed pain, to "remind" her that she was actually part of this world, still human, it's odd and maybe doesn't make sense to rational people, but when you are down deep in the darkness of irrational and illogical HELL, depression WARPS and TWISTS your thoughts, MESSES with your head. YOU find what "tools" you can to "survive" or "what makes sense" at the moment. Some shop, some drink, some smoke up, others CUT.
When I was being molested, as a young child, I "travelled" outside of myself, so as NOT to be aware of what was going on, I had to "remind" myself of being human, still having feelings, I would pick my lips so badly, that they would bleed all over down my chin, my lips were a horrible mess, I would drink orange juice immediately after can still remember the horrible stinging sensation like it was yesterday.
But at least I felt something. I was 6.
We all have ways of coping with STRESS.
NO MATTER the AGE.
ESPECIALLY if we FEEL ALONE.
ALL OF THE ABOVE
There is a comprehensive book on this subject: "Prozac Backlash: Overcoming the Dangers of Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Other Antidepressants with Safe, Effective Alternatives:
Dr. Joseph Glenmullen
This stuff just scares me! I wouldn't want to chance it and I wouldn't want my loved ones to. There are alternatives: check out www.greenbodyandmind.com.
1) Check out this link for alternatives to meds:. http://www.greenbodyandmind.com. You can call these guys & talk to them about the problems you are having;
2) I have heard that st. John's wort is effective. Also check out Clarocet: http://www.clarocet.com/ (I have no data about this other than what I found during my search for healthy alternatives - the guys at "green body & mind" might know about this)
3) Also the first action to undertake with someone manifesting psychiatric symptoms is a full and searching medical examination -- blood tests, etc. to see if anything else is going on with your body that may be causing the depression/anxiety.
I'll get back to you as soon as I find out more. Please let me know how you are doing. If you want to send me a private e mail and let me know where you live, I'll try to find a good doctor nearby who works with individuals to find out a solution that does not involve the psychotropic medications. I care and I hope this helps. Angel
I will definately get a BMP and CBC done at my doctor's office. I have thought about taking St. John's Wort.
genXer
OTHER
In the research paper above, they found based on controlled clinical trials, most people, including very pro-drug people, calculate that the drugs help out about 10 to 20% of the people who take them. While the drugs work for some, they should know that a significant # have a hard time coming off the drugs. So while they worked for you, as you accurately note - there is the side effects, & it seems that what works for one - does not actually work for the majority.
SSRI's work only on one neurotransmitter, serotonin. There are some subtypes of depression where the dopamine system. for example is involved and sometimes norepinephrine system too. And the tricyclics are 'dirty' and work on more than one system.
For me it was doxepin that saved my life.
Not every kind works for every person. And if the person is bipolar antidepressants can spark fast cycling.
OTHER
Angel, are you a doctor, or do you go to that crazy Tom Cruz Chruch?
HERE IS THE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH THAT I BASE MY OPINIONS ON (THIS IS ONLY A PARTIAL LIST):
1) Thomas Szasz, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus, SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse; author of over 25 books, including The Myth of Mental Illness, Cruel Compassion: Psychiatric Control of Society's Unwanted and Liberation by Oppression: Comparative Study of Psychiatry and Slavery
"There is no blood or other biological test to ascertain the presence or absence of a mental illness, as there is for most bodily diseases."
2) Fre...
HERE IS THE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH THAT I BASE MY OPINIONS ON (THIS IS ONLY A PARTIAL LIST):
1) Thomas Szasz, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus, SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse; author of over 25 books, including The Myth of Mental Illness, Cruel Compassion: Psychiatric Control of Society's Unwanted and Liberation by Oppression: Comparative Study of Psychiatry and Slavery
"There is no blood or other biological test to ascertain the presence or absence of a mental illness, as there is for most bodily diseases."
2) Fred Baughman, M.D., pediatric neurologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, and author of the upcoming book The ADHD FraudHow Psychiatry Makes "Patients" of Normal Children
"Psychiatry has yet to validate a single psychiatric condition/diagnosis as an abnormality/disease, or as anything 'neurological,' 'biological,' 'chemically-imbalanced' or 'genetic.'"
3) Julian Whitaker, M.D., Founder of Whitaker Wellness Institute, author and editor of Health and Healing newsletter
4) Julian Whitaker, M.D., Founder of Whitaker Wellness Institute, author and editor of Health and Healing newsletter
5) Ron Leifer, M.D., author of In The Name of Mental Health
"There's no biological imbalance. When people come to me and they say, 'I have a biochemical imbalance,' I say, 'Show me your lab tests.' There are no lab tests. So what's the biochemical imbalance?"
6) Ty C. Colbert, Ph.D. author of Rape of the Soul: How the Chemical Imbalance Model of Modern Psychiatry has Failed its Patients
"We know that the chemical imbalance model for mental illness has never been scientifically proven. We also know that all reasonable evidence points instead to the disabling model of psychiatric drug action. Furthermore, we also know that the research on drug effectiveness/efficacy are unreliable because drug tests only measure efficacy based on symptom reduction, not cure."
7) Paula Caplan, Ph.D., author of They Say You're Crazy: How the World's Most Powerful Psychiatrists Decide Who's Normal
8) Elliot S. Valenstein, Ph.D., author of Blaming the Brain: The Truth About Drugs and Mental Health
"[T]here are no tests available for assessing the chemical status of a living person's brain."
"It is well established that the drugs used to treat a mental disorder, for example, may induce long-lasting biochemical and even structural changes [including in the brain], which in the past were claimed to be the cause of the disorder, but may actually be an effect of the treatment."
9) Lee Coleman, psychiatrist and author of Reign of Error
10) Colin Andrew Ross, M.D., psychiatrist and author
"...there are no facts and data supporting the brain disease model and there's no facts and data supporting many treatments and many things that psychiatrists claim."
11) Lawrence B. Hooper, M.D., Hooper Medical Center
"the thing that we find most often, is that these (antidepressants) are not discussed with the patient. And the patient is out there in a quandary, not knowing what to do. Therefore, they keep taking the drug. Some of these drugs, of course, cause suicide. And that's a big issue.”
12) Moira Dolan, M.D., medical consultant
"[T]here is no objective scientifically valid test which actually documents any physical, biochemical or anatomic abnormality in any mental”
AND HERE IS A LIST OF THE REFERENCES CITED BY THE AUTHORS OF THE ARTICLE:
a Further Reading
Antonuccio, D. et al. (1999). Raising questions about antidepressants.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Vol. 68.
Healy, D. (2006). Let them eat Prozac. New York: New York
University Press.
Kirsch, I. et al. (2002). The emperor’s new drugs: An analysis of the
antidepressant medication data submitted to the US FDA..
Prevention and Treatment. Vol. 5.
Lacasse, J., & Gomory, T. (2003). Is graduate social work education
promoting a critical approach to mental health practice? Journal
of Social Work Education, 39(3), 383–408.
Lacasse, J.R. and Leo, J. (2005). Serotonin and depression: A
disconnect between the advertisements and the scientific literature.
PLoS Med 2(12): e392. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/
journal.pmed.0020392.
Lacasse, J. and Leo, J. (2006). Serotonin and depression: A disconnect
between the advertisements and the scientific literature. PLoS
Medicine. Available at: http://medicine.plosjournals....
?request=get-document&doi=10....
Leo, J. (2006). The SSRI trials in children. Ethical Human Psychiatry
and Psychology, 8(1), 29–41.
Jonathan Leo, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Neuroanatomy at
Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate TN. He has published
numerous articles about mental health covering topics such as the
genetic basis of schizophrenia, the serotonin theory of depression, and
the pediatric trials of SSRIs. For further questions he can be reached at
jonathan.leo@lmunet.edu.
Jeffrey R. Lacasse, MSW is a Visiting Lecturer at the Florida State
University (FSU). He has published research on practice with
children, critical thinking in graduate social work education, and
consumer advertising of SSRI antidepressants
The only people carrying on the idea that it might not be are the same type of scientists that are still claiming that global climate change is a hoax.
Here's another one i just found on my internet search: When someone asked "If my doctor prescribes a psychotropic for me, does that mean that I have a chemical imbalance? Shouldn't I be tested for a chemical imbalance before I start taking medication?" Richard S. Schloss replied:
"Chemical imbalance" is an imprecise term which is based on the theory that most mental illnesses have a component of dysregulation of one or more brain chemicals. Since this theory is based on indirect findings, there is no reliable test to screen for a "chemical imbalance."
:-(
And that was for sure a personal attach this time. You are an ass.